ASC life award to Dante Spinotti

Cinematographer to receive nod Feb. 12

Italian d.p. Dante Spinotti, best known for his work with Michael Mann on such films as “The Last of the Mohicans” and “Heat,” will receive the American Society of Cinematographers’ 2012 lifetime achievement award, following in the footsteps of such revered lensers as Conrad Hall, Vilmos Zsigmond and Vittorio Storaro.

The kudo will be presented at the 26th ASC awards Feb. 12 at the Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom.

Spinotti’s “visual style is infused with the kind of playful experimentation and consummate craft that results in iconic imagery,” said Michael Goi, president of the ASC in a statement. “He is a model for why great cinematographers are truly timeless.”

The 68-year-old Spinotti has been nominated for two Oscars: for Mann’s “The Insider” and for Curtis Hanson’s “L.A. Confidential.” He also worked with Hanson on “Wonder Boys” and is the d.p. behind recent release “Tower Heist.”

Additional ASC honors will go to two-time Emmy nominee William Wages, who will draw the career achievement in television award, and Francis Kenny (the Presidents Award). Fred Godfrey will receive the inaugural ASC Bud Stone Award of Distinction, named after a founding member of the ASC Outstanding Achievement Awards who served as chairman for 17 years. Stone died in 2008.